My name is Louise Haven and I am a qualified counsellor and life coach who specialises in working with neurodivergent clients and ecotherapy. In November 2020 I was assessed for ASD after seeking out a diagnosis privately and independently. I got this diagnosis after years of confusion and it has helped me to understand my mind, my perspectives and many of my past experiences, particularly around being harassed and bullied.
I believe the stigma around neurodiversity and mental health in many countries is dangerous, discriminatory and outdated. And I believe people who are neurodivergent, and most importantly children, need to be protected, valued and supported. There is nothing to be ashamed of if you have a neurological condition or disorder and people who are neurologically, cognitively and psychologically divergent can often have different abilities, gifts and talents.
I am particularly passionate about advocating for better education and awareness of these issues in my home country, Northern Ireland (here is an article I wrote for Psychology Today and another article I wrote for Neurodiversity Press). The rates of autism and neurodivergence are very high in Northern Ireland and many autistic people and children are not treated well here. I lived in England for many years and I have been shocked since returning to Mid Ulster in 2014 by how badly many children and young people are treated in this country (often in the name of an inadequate, segregated and deeply problematic education system).
In my opinion, a peaceful and loving home is the best place for children to learn. I am grateful that I can home educate my children and I believe it is a great way for children to be educated and most importantly to be safe from emotional, psychological and physical harm. Sadly I have come to learn that some schools are not safe places for neurodivergent children and as a result I am interested in alternative and progressive educational practices and pedagogies. In my opinion, education should be transformative, liberating, enlightening and empowering and if it isn’t helping children to succeed and thrive, then it isn’t true education.
I believe many schools in Northern Ireland may be breaching the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child and I am passionate about protecting children from harm and abuse in all spaces- private and public. In 2022, a fellow friend and counsellor and I launched a new project called Mind Our Kids which aims to help young people have better emotional, mental and psychological health. This project, which is based in Northern Ireland, aims to protect and support children and young people who are neurodivergent as they are often the most vulnerable in our schools and in our communities.
I believe that by becoming more accepting of ourselves and our differences, we increase our chances of leading successful, fulfilled and vibrant lives and overcoming much of the suffering that accompanies these conditions. We also improve our communities, our services and our families by being more inclusive and accepting of those who are not like us. I work with clients to help them to accept themselves, forgive themselves and love themselves in a world which is often harsh, unfair and cruel to gentle, sensitive and pure souls (i.e. autistic and neurodivergent people).
As well as working therapeutically I am currently completing a Ph.D. exploring the relationship between Nature Experiences and Mental Health in the Capitalocene at Queen’s University in Belfast. I am a committed environmental and human rights activist, as well as a child advocate, who believes that if we want better societies, we must create them. I enjoy writing and I am hoping that my blogs and articles will help educate people and help neurodivergent young people and adults to thrive.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you are interested in finding out more about the work I do or availing of my therapy and consultancy services.
You can find out how to get in touch in the contact page of this website.
Thanks for reading.
The future is bright, the future is neurodiverse.
Love
Lou
© 2022 Louise Haven. All rights reserved.
